How Can I Take Control of My Energy Costs?

Posted January 24, 2019

Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Bishop, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to lower your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could make up nearly half of your energy usage.

That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility costs, there are many ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.

Switch Out Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help capture a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your home. However, more than just your air quality suffers when your filters are full of debris. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Switching out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Call Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.

Schedule Timely HVAC Service

If you expect your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. Once it is spring, have an HVAC professional assess your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them come back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning technicians are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.

Switch Out Your Thermostat

Lowering that utility bill can be as simple as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. The closer the house’s temp is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take drastic measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.

You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.

Upgrade Your Equipment

Older HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, there’s a likelihood your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.

When you’ve determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.

If you have more questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning in Bishop is all set to guide you. Contact us at 760-784-9034 or schedule an appointment online.

Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning offers dependable, quality service to homeowners in the Bishop community. Our experienced technicians are well-trained and knowledgeable on all HVAC products, so you’ll be confident knowing you can trust us. The team at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning adheres to high standards and are devoted to offering the best customer service, whether you’re searching for a new HVAC system or need maintenance on your current system. If you have questions or need support for your HVAC system, you can reach us at 760-784-9034 or schedule an appointment online to get started on your home comfort needs!